Marine killed in Afghanistan blast

A Royal Marine was killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said

A Royal Marine has been killed in a blast in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The serviceman, from 40 Commando, died while on a foot patrol with Afghan soldiers in Sangin in Helmand Province. His family have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "He died in the course of his duty seeking to improve the lives of the people of Sangin. His courage in the face of danger will not be forgotten.

"He will be greatly missed and we will always remember him."

Sangin has been the scene of some of the fiercest fighting UK troops have endured since the Second World War, leading to a high toll of personnel killed or injured.

Commanders have admitted it is "the most challenging area" in which British forces are operating in Afghanistan.

It is particularly dangerous because it contains a patchwork of rival tribes and is a major centre of the opium-growing industry.

The number of British troops who have died since the mission in Afghanistan began in 2001 now stands at 290.